Frequently Asked Questions

How many beds are there in the ECC?

There are 353 inpatient and day beds.

I want to visit someone in the ECC, why can't I enter through the Emergency Department?

The ED is a secure area focussing on clinical activity and is not designed to provide a thoroughfare to the rest of the building.

Will there be a cafe at the ECC?

After the ECC is opened there will be further construction work to remove the old A&E building and complete the new Emergency Department entrance.  This will include the completion of a foyer.  NHS Grampian is currently working on plans for facilities in this area.

Why are there separate lifts for patients?

The design of the ECC is built around the needs of patients and maximising their clinical safety.  The dedicated patient lifts ensures patients can be transferred to the most appropriate care location without delay, reduces exposure to infection and helps maintain patient dignity by avoiding sharing lifts and corridors with visitors.

When will the Emergency Department entrance be complete?

The innovative design of the Emergency Care Centre fits right into a tight location.  To complete the new building the old A&E department has to be demolished.  This work (referred to as 'section 3') commences in January 2013 after services move in to the ECC and the old A&E is vacated.

Why are some of the facilities shared by the wards on that floor?

The ECC was designed to maximise space for clinical activity.  All shared facilities are non-clinical eg teaching room, day room, pantry, 'point of care testing' room, staff rest rooms, store cupboards etc.